Sheriff: Man calls 911 to report assault, is arrested for robbery

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BUCODA, Wash. -- A man called 911 to report being assaulted Thursday night in the tiny town of Bucoda, Wash., and was promptly arrested for investigation of armed burglary, assault and robbery.

According to the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, Centralia resident Thomas Denegar's poorly thought-out plan started when he broke into a Bucoda home shortly after 10:30 p.m. wearing a mask and armed with a handgun.

Denegar woke up the 34-year-old victim sleeping inside the home and ordered the man to come with him, according to the Sheriff's Office. The victim put on his shoes, in a feint to make Denegar think he was following orders, before punching Denegar repeatedly.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Denegar pistol whipped the victim and a fight broke out. During the scuffle, the victim pulled Denegar's mask off, and Denegar reportedly fired a shot into the floor between the victim's feet.

Denegar eventually grabbed the victim's cellphone and ran out of the house, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The victim recognized Denegar as his female friend's soon-to-be ex-husband and called the authorities.

Thanks to Denegar's own 911 call, deputies quickly arrested him, and he was booked into Thurston County Jail.